INBA President Jennifer Fuller was interviewed across the state today for her insights on the new electronic media rules approved by the Illinois Supreme Court. She spoke not only about the long journey behind but also what is ahead-- including plans for educating electronic journalists on best practices in the courthouse.

Check out some of those interviews (we'll post more as they're available online):

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans offered this enthusiastic support of the Supreme Court's new initiative:

“I regard the new policy on extended media coverage in the courtroom as a positive change in the right direction for Illinois courts and have supported it in the past, most recently in a speech before the City Club of Chicago in June 2010.

“Allowing media to have cameras and recording devices in the courtroom will give the public a better idea of what goes on in their courtrooms, and they will understand that what they see on television court shows is not a true picture of how judges do justice.

“I will apply to the Illinois Supreme Court’s pilot project to allow extended media coverage in Circuit Court of Cook County courtrooms. I also expect to appoint an advisory committee to make recommendations on best practices for implementing the provisions of the Supreme Court’s policy for extended media coverage in the Illinois circuit courts. The committee will have as its members judges, attorneys, members of the media and the public.

“Just last summer, United States Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan expressed strong support for more openness and transparency for the third branch of government. At an Aspen Institute event, she said, ‘If everybody could see this it would make people feel so good about this branch of government and how it’s operating.’

“I certainly support Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride and the justices for adopting this approach to allowing cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms. If approved for participation in the pilot program, the Circuit Court of Cook County will enthusiastically adhere to the guidelines established by the Illinois Supreme Court.”

The Illinois Supreme Court has posted its order to allow cameras and microphones in trial courts on an experimental basis. You can see the full eight-page PDF document by downloading it from the Court's web page.

Why join INBA?

INBA played a huge part in preparing me for my broadcasting career. The INBA conventions connect students with on air talent and news directors who give feedback on now to improve your work. Through relationships I made at those conventions I was able to obtain my first on air reporting job.